Someone to Love: A Westcott Novel, Book 1

Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl's guardian is interested in Anna.

Slightly Married: Bedwyn Saga Series, Book 1

Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart - and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection, nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart.

Cast in Shadows

Gideon Waverley, heir to the Duke of Townsend, had everything a young man could need, a promising future, a title, charming good looks, great friends, and a family who adored him. Until his body turned him into a monster. He had no choice but to separate himself from the world, to hide his monstrous self from society, to cast away his future. But the brilliant and beautiful Eve Cornwell refused to believe he could not be saved, even as she refused to guard her heart.

The Duke and I

Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry - though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

Indiscreet: The Horseman Trilogy

In the country visiting his twin brother, Viscount Rawleigh longs for a little diversion, and beautiful young widow Catherine Winters seems like easy prey. But Rex's target is a lady of virtue, and when she roundly rejects his improper proposal to become his mistress, Rex finds himself faced with a delectable challenge.

Simply Magic: Simply Quartet, Book 3

On a splendid August afternoon, Susanna Osbourne is introduced to the most handsome man she has ever seen...and instantly feels the icy chill of recognition. Peter Edgeworth, Viscount Whitleaf, is utterly charming - and seemingly unaware that they have met before. With his knowing smile and seductive gaze, Peter acts the rake; but he stirs something in Susanna she has never felt before, a yearning that both frightens and dazzles her.

The Proposal

Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Mary Balogh delights fans with historical romantic tales that touch the heart. After her husband dies in a freak accident, Lady Gwendoline Muir never dreams she’ll love again. So when soldier-turned-nobleman Lord Hugo Trentham stirs feelings in her that have lain dormant for years, she can’t help but imagine his strong embrace. Hugo finds himself drawn to Gwen, but he’s never courted a woman before. Can he muster the right words to make Gwen open her heart and love once more?

Simply Love: The Simply Quartet, Book 2

She spies him in the deepening dusk of a Wales evening - a lone figure of breathtaking strength and masculinity, his handsome face branded by a secret pain. For single mother and teacher Anne Jewell, newly arrived with her son at a sprawling estate in Wales, Sydnam Butler is a man whose sorrows - and passions - run deeper than she could have ever imagined. As steward of a remote seaside manor, Sydnam lives a reclusive existence far from the pity and disdain of others.

How to Capture a Duke: Matchmaking for Wallflowers, Book 1

Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying grandmother worries about Fiona's future, Fiona stammers that she's secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.

Unforgiven: The Horsemen Trilogy

The Woodfall and Hayes families have been bitter rivals for nearly a century. Now, after eight years, Kenneth returns home and realizes his underlying love for Miss Moira Hayes. For her, he is willing to forget the past. But can she?

Simply Unforgettable: The Simply Quartet, Book 1

Stranded together in a rustic country inn, Lucius Marshall, who is the Viscount Sinclair, and Frances Allard share a night of glorious, unforgettable passion. But Frances knows her place, and it is far from the privileged world of the sensual aristocrat. Due to begin her teaching position at Miss Martin's School in Bath, Frances must try to forget that one extraordinary night - and the man who touched her with such exquisite tenderness and abandon.

Ransomed Jewels

With her husband's dying words, "My marchioness has it," the Marchioness of Huntingdon is thrown into a nightmare of intrigue and danger. But even those who are holding her brother ransom can't force her to do the impossible - hand over a necklace she doesn't have. Major Samuel Bennett believes the newly widowed Lady Claire Huntingdon is a traitor. He intends to get the necklace he's convinced she has, before sending her to the gallows.

Three Weeks to Wed: The Worthingtons, Book 1

Lady Grace Carpenter is ready to seize the day - or, rather, the night - with the most compelling man she's ever known. Marriage would mean losing guardianship of her beloved siblings, and surely no sane gentleman will take on seven children not his own. But if she can have one anonymous tryst with Mattheus, Earl of Worthington, Grace will be content to live out the rest of her life as a spinster.

My American Duchess

The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford - an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés. But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.

The Rogue Not Taken: Scandal & Scoundrel, Book 1

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.

Marrying Winterborne

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better....

Once Upon a Marquess: Worth Saga, Volume 1

The last man Judith Worth wants to see again is Christian Trent, the Marquess of Ashford - the man who spent summers at her family home, who kissed her one magical night...and then heartlessly ruined her father. But when a tricky business matter arises, he's the only one she can ask for help. With any luck, he'll engage a servant to take care of the matter, and she won't even have to talk with him.

Simply Perfect: Simply Quartet Series, Book 4

Tall, dark, and exquisitely sensual, he is the epitome of male perfection. Not that Claudia Martin is looking for a lover. Or a husband. As owner and headmistress of Miss Martin's School for Girls in Bath, she long ago resigned herself to a life without love. Until Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, arrives unannounced and tempts her to toss away a lifetime of propriety for an affair that can only lead to ruin.

A Kiss Before the Wedding: A Pembroke Palace Short Story

Lady Adelaide Robins, the charming and beautiful daughter of an impoverished earl, was raised on the foggy moors of Yorkshire. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would travel to London, capture the heart of a duke, and receive a proposal of marriage. Is she ready for a life of luxury and privilege as a duchess? Or will her heart forever belong to another?

Smuggler's Moon: The Raveneaus in Cornwall, Book 1

Feisty Julia Faircloth is used to managing the lives of her eccentric relatives, so when darkly dangerous Lord Sebastian Trevarre arrives in Bath and proposes to her shy sister Sarah, she switches places with the bride to save her from a shockingly carnal wedding night. Against his better judgment, Sebastian consummates a marriage to the most provoking, appealing woman he's ever known, and then is forced to live with her in his neglected yet enchanting estate on the coast of Cornwall.

The Trouble with Honor

Desperate times call for daring measures as Honor Cabot, the eldest stepdaughter of the wealthy Earl of Beckington, awaits her family's ruin. Upon the earl's death she and her sisters stand to lose the luxury of their grand home - and their place on the pedestal of society - to their stepbrother and his social-climbing fiancée. Forced to act quickly, Honor makes a devil's bargain with the only rogue in London who can seduce her stepbrother's fiancée out of the Cabots' lives for good.

The Viscount Who Loved Me

Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry - he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield - the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams.

Stormswept

The first wedding night that Lady Juliana St. Albans spent with the dark and daring Rhys Vaughan was intoxicating, the heady culmination of her new husband's driving hunger and her own awakened sensuality. When he mysteriously disappeared the next morning, she waited for him in hope and desperation. And when he was finally proclaimed dead in a shipwreck, she bitterly mourned the loss of her love. The second wedding night that Juliana spent with Rhys Vaughan was six years later.

Cold-Hearted Rake

Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.

Publisher's Summary

After waiting five years for her fiancé to return from the war and marry her, Roxana Langley has been jilted! She may have longed for excitement, but this was not what she had in mind....

Who could possibly throw over a woman as beautiful and vivacious as Roxana? Certainly not Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, who has spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love. When he learns she's been abandoned by her cad of a fiancé, he finds himself offering a shoulder for her to cry on. Comfort soon turns into a passionate kiss—and scandal when they are caught in an embrace.

Only one thing will save Roxana from certain ruination: marriage to the earl. The match may save her reputation, but responsible, tongue-tied Ayersley is a far cry from her dashing former fiancé. She's convinced Ayersley is merely doing his duty...while he's sure Roxana is still in love with another man. Are they trading one disaster for another?

I always hesitate before trying a new romance author because you never know how corny the story will be, or how bad the writing. Alyssa Everett is one of those that you come across and hope that more of her books become available, like yesterday. This is the sweetest story of unrequited love that is finally satisfied. The hero has loved the heroine his whole life and she has NO idea. I thought that it would be difficult for me to like her after reading the description, but once again Ms. Landor's voice makes the heroine sweet, and the author makes her humble. Wonderful combo! I have never run accross a romance where the hero actually wants the heroine throughout the whole book, but this is a wonderful change. He loves her, REALLY loves her, and it is nice to see an author portray a "nice guy" as the hero for a change! I HIGHLY suggeset adding this to your collection!!!

I loved this book. The story line was easy to follow and the length was perfect. I especially loved that the main male character was not portrayed as a rake all the women want to bed or the superior confident male. He was just a normal male in love with a woman who didnt originally return his feelings.

The narrator was excellent. She made the switch between characters easy to follow and the book flowed smoothly.

I would recommend this book to any one interested in a light hearted historical romance.

Would you consider the audio edition of Ruined by Rumor to be better than the print version?

I haven't yet read the print version, so can't really comment. It's been on my TBR pile for a while which is why I decided to listen to the audiobook instead.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No question - Alex is gorgeous. He's a lovely beta-hero, the epitome of the strong, silent type who will take a lot of crap, but only to a point - after which he comes out fighting and God help whoever gets in his way. He has a subtle sense of humour and watching him learn to unbend and realise he doesn't have to carry his burdens alone is just... *sigh*

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

Rosalyn Landor is far and away my favourite narrator - I have a serious girlcrush on those velvety tones! Her voices for the different female characters are all very distinct so there is never any confusion as to who is speaking, and the tone she employs to voice Roxana’s five-year-old brother is clearly a boy rather than a girl! George is suitably pompous-sounding, while Alex is somewhat softer – I thought she did a really good job in conveying his below-the-surface frustration at his awkwardness and his insecurities. Her narration is also beautifully nuanced – I’ve listened to some narrators who, while quite good with the characters seem rather wooden when simply telling the story, but that is never the case with Ms Landor.

Any additional comments?

Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable take on a well-used trope. The storytelling and characterisation were excellent and the central couple were both likeable and engaging.

I thought I had listened to this audio, but I had this book mixed up with another. When I downloaded "Lord of Secrets" and realized I had not read "Ruined by Rumor," I began listening to "...Rumor." What a pleasant surprise! In some ways it reminds me a little of Georgette Heyer's "A Civil Contract" - misunderstandings between Roxana and Alex and what seems like a marriage of convenience to Roxana. Throw in a third party - the viper (aka the Major) and it's a page turner.

I can't wait to get to "Lord of Secrets."

Alyssa Everett has another book that I'd like to hear on audible: "A Tryst with Trouble." It's not currently available on amazon.com, and there's no "I'd like to hear this book on audio" button. There is a note that an audio CD will be available via amazon, and you can sign up to be notified when it's available - so maybe it will eventually be available on audible, too. Fingers crossed.

I can't remember reading or listening to author Alyssa Everett before, but what drew my interest in "Ruined By Rumor" was that Alex Winslow, the Earl of Ayersley, spent years trying in vain to forget his unrequited love for Roxana Langley (not the norm)...and the fact it's narrated by the very talented Rosalyn Landor.

Roxana yearns for excitement from her dull, predictable life and does not appreciate the serious Alex, who steps in to save her reputation when her exciting fiance, George, jilts her. The story is full of misunderstandings, which cause heartache on both sides-- each person draws their own conclusions of what is being said, instead of asking for clarification.

It is a fast paced love story of misunderstandings, shyness, love, scandal, loss, heartache, and romance.

I recommend "Ruined By Rumor" for those who enjoy a good old-fashion love story.

I really liked Alex's character, the misunderstood hero, who puts up with a lot from Roxana who is continually comparing him to her wonderful George who is a womanising rake but she just doesn't see it. I found her character to be one of those really really annoying clueless types so I just couldn't sympathise with her character at all. It should have been a good listen but unfortunately I had no affinity with the supposed heroine of the plot so I was only routing for a happy ending for Alex's sake.

Another worthy narration by Rosalyn.

Worth my credit? No, there's better out there, but if it goes on sale then maybe it's worth the $ but not a credit.

NO. Story lack excitement and was very flat., Not much excitement between the characters. Lead female character was unimpressive and dull. No good humor or wit about her at all. Male lead character was better but story was uneventful and boring.The narrator was superb and listening to her read the book was the only way I got trough to the end. More authors should have Rosalyn Landor read their books. Fabulous narrator.

Would you recommend Ruined by Rumor to your friends? Why or why not?

no for the same reasons stated above. Boring

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Landor's reading as well as the way she does so many different voice overs is quite amazing. It makes even the worst books a pleasure to listen too. Each character has a different and very distinct voice of their own which can get one through to the end of a boring book. I don't know how she does it but she does it so well.I am going to purchase books that are exclusively read by Ms. Landor any time that I can. She is quite amazing and can make the most boring book come to life.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

More humor, openness and honesty between the characters. Saying what they feel and not keeping it to themselves. Some intrigue and excitement.

I recently read Everett's A Tryst With Trouble, and I loved it -- REALLY loved it. I'm just glad this book was my second Alyssa Everett, and not my first. If I'd started with this one, I'm not sure I would have bought another. I passed disappointed at the midway point, and by the end, I was just mad. This review is the result.

THE HEROINE: Roxana, is a renowned beauty. Gorgeous, with pale blond hair, a willowy figure, lovely face, and sweet temperament -- she is universally beloved in her county. And yet, she believes she is plain. Why? Because at some point in her life, her mother warned her against becoming vain. And because, when she was little, her big brother used to tease her, and call her mop head. Huh.

Her inner musings on her plainness went on, and on -- it was a major underpinning to her character, but it made no sense at all. As written, Roxana didn't ACT like she believed she was plain. She acted, dressed and conducted herself like a beautiful woman. So what, exactly, was the point of hammering her plainness into the book? The repetitious lack of logic took me right out of the story.

THE HERO: Alex is also gorgeous, and experienced, but because he is shy and tongue tied around the beautiful Roxana, she thinks he's dull and boring. Alex has been in love with her for years, even while she was betrothed to another guy. So when that guy throws her over publicly, and she is accidentally ruined, he sees his chance to have her, and proposes. Badly.

And while Roxana clearly understands what being ruined means, she doesn't immediately see the need to do anything to save herself, or her family, from scandal. Her mother, incongruously, and unbelievably (for the time), lets Roxana ruminate on her options until a neighbor gives her the cut direct. Huh. This scene had me wishing my Kindle was made by Fischer Price, so I could throw it at a wall without cracking it. Took me out of the story. Hard.

Alex and Roxana marry, but because he lacks self esteem, he doesn't tell her how he feels, letting her believe he's in love with another girl. Over and over again, these two come together only to pull apart over one low self esteem induced misunderstanding after another. If you like that kind of plot, this book is for you. I found that the mountain of illogical misconceptions only buried the characters in stupidity.

THE WEDDING NIGHT: This scene started out pretty good, and went downhill fast. Our inexperienced heroine goes after her timid man after a false start. After he turns into a sex god, she is surprised, impressed, and turned on. But when she starts to come, she stiffens up until the feeling goes away. She actually fights her orgasms, several times -- over several weeks of marriage -- to a man she's wildly attracted to. Huh. And why? Just to keep the misconceptions coming, I guess. To me, it just made both characters look stupid. And what did he do about it? He just looked down at her face and watched her while she did it, and said nothing. Nothing. He's supposedly experienced, while she doesn't understand what's happening to her body, but he says NOTHING. Took me right out of the story. Again.

The big reveal happens close to the end, after a serious blow up over another big misunderstanding. It occurs when the slimy ex confronts them in a ballroom, creating yet another scandal. To shut him up, Alex punches him in the face, right in front of the ton. And right on cue, Roxana throws herself into Alex's arms and says, YOU DO LOVE ME!

Seriously? That made me throw up a little in my mouth. And that's the point at which I got mad.

The epilogue had the requisite infant. BIG yawn.

There is a great book in here somewhere, but it seems to me that Everett tried to be too cute for her own good. The complex machinations I loved in A Tryst With Trouble, fell apart for lack of logic here, and left me feeling frustrated. There is no doubt in my mind that Everett is a talented author who can write wonderful dialogue, great sex scenes and really complex and witty plots. She just didn't do it in this one. I am amazed at the high ratings this claptrap received, but to each her own.

The biggest problem I had with this book is that it fell 2-1/2 big stars short of great, and I can only blame the author. It kept coming close, but each time the story would start to heat up, she'd take it off the boil, hamstringing her own characters with extra helpings of, wait for it,

Stupid.

IMHO, results may vary, but for me, this one is not worth a re-read. Shame, too.

Roz Landor is great, but even she couldn't make a silk purse out of this hot mess.